RD&A Scientist / Beverages
About the role
We are seeking an RD&A Scientist to support the growth of the North America Beverage market. Reporting to the RD&A Manager, this role will focus on developing market-relevant, innovative beverage products using Kerry’s industry-leading taste technology portfolio. You will be part of a collaborative team of scientists and technicians dedicated to creating liquid and powder beverage concepts for both internal initiatives and customer projects. This position requires strong technical expertise, creativity, and the ability to lead projects from concept through commercialization.
Key responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end formulation and concept development of liquid and powder beverage products.
- Apply strong technical and commercial knowledge of ingredients, processing technologies, and market trends.
- Develop innovative, cost-effective solutions aligned with manufacturing capabilities and regulatory requirements.
- Lead pilot plant validations, including preparation, execution, and documentation of trials.
- Support first production runs internally and with external manufacturing partners.
- Build strong customer relationships through clear communication, technical leadership, and presentations.
- Partner with Sales and Business Development teams to support customer engagement and technical presentations.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver best-in-class Taste & Nutrition solutions.
- Conduct research to improve product quality related to flavor, color, texture, nutrition, and overall product performance.
Qualifications and skills
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or a related scientific field.
- Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in beverage product development.
- Proven track record of delivering products from concept to commercial launch.
- Solid knowledge of food chemistry, sensory science, microbiology, food engineering, and packaging systems.
- Experience with both liquid and powder beverage technologies.
- Pilot plant experience, including scale-up, troubleshooting, and production trial support.
- Expertise in ingredient functionality, formulation, and beverage processing.
Pay
The pay range for this position is $70,100 - $122,000 in Annual Salary. Kerry typically does not hire an individual at the top or near the top of the range, as we are a pay-for-performance company, and this range is set to continue to reward performance annually while in role. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.
Benefits
- A competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance, and tuition reimbursement.
Company Information
Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Kerry will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen.